Eugene, Oregon - Youngstown State senior thrower Bobby Grace capped a strong career with a 14th-place finish in the shot put on Wednesday at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships at the University of Oregon's Hayward Field.
Grace, who competed in the second flight, opened with a throw of 19.03 meters (62 feet, 5.25 inches). His second attempt came in at 18.97 meters (62-3) before his third and final toss of 19.14 meters (62-9.5 feet) was his scored attempt.
Grace finished third at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships and his 14th-place finish is the top by YSU athlete ever at the outdoor event. On Wednesday evening, 24 athletes competed and Grace will be recognized as a second-team All-American. The top nine finishes after the completion of flight action advanced to the final round.
Head Coach Brian Gorby said he was thrilled that Grace earned All-America honors in both indoor and outdoor.
"Bobby finishes his career as a fisrt-team All-American in indoor and second-team in outdoor," Gorby said. "What a year and career for him. We are very proud and happy for him."
Texas thrower Ryan Crouser won with a toss of 21.12 meters on his final try. Five of his six attempts were over 20 meters.
The Penguins have one thrower left to compete in sophomore Conner Neu. Neu will participate in the hammer throw on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time.
